Title: Virals
Author: Kathy Reichs
Series: Virals #1
Pages: 454
Publisher: Arrow
Release Date: November 2nd 2010 (UK)
Source: From Publisher
Tory Brennan, niece of acclaimed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (of the Bones novels and hit TV show), is the leader of a ragtag band of teenage "sci-philes" who live on a secluded island off the coast of South Carolina. When the group rescues a dog caged for medical testing on a nearby island, they are exposed to an experimental strain of canine parvovirus that changes their lives forever.
As the friends discover their heightened senses and animal-quick reflexes, they must combine their scientific curiosity with their newfound physical gifts to solve a cold-case murder that has suddenly become very hot if they can stay alive long enough to catch the killer's scent.
Fortunately, they are now more than friends they're a pack. They are Virals.
Tory was a kickass main character. She was fearless and brave but despite that she had a soft side. Her group of friends were a huge part of the story and I liked them all. They all felt unique and individually crafted. With Tory being the only female in their group the dynamic was great. Tory's father Kit was very funny. The relationship between Tory and himself was awkward which made for some very funny scenes.
The plot was unusual. The idea of contracting a disease that can make you semi wolf, semi human was really interesting. Despite it being far-fetched it was written in a realistic way, making me believe it could really happen (scary thought!). The discovery of the murder was a nice touch as I feel the virus on its own wouldn't have been substantial. The murder mystery had me guessing right up until the very end!
Tory's voice was what really drew me in. Her narration was captivating and she definitely had the essence of a teenage girl. I always like it when you feel like you are connecting with someone your own age. She was very relatable (up until the wolf DNA thing).
The ending was a little far fetched for me. Some things seemed too far out of the realms of possibility. It didn't bother me too much, however. The ending on a broader scale was a nice end to the novel.
Virals is filled with action, mystery and danger and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I've never known how keen I'd be on sci-fi either but it sounds like a fantastic read! I like a book that packs everything in - action, mystery and drama etc. Any cute romances at all?? :)
ReplyDeleteWell overall I really wanna read it now, haha - I've been waiting for a YA book that's not too typical! Great review.
Lots of action. I think you'd like it! Not too much unfortunately but it hardly feels missed. You can borrow anytime ;)
ReplyDeleteThis book is starting to intrigue me. I've never read a book by Kathy Reichs before but I think I'll have to look out for this one ..
ReplyDeleteThe first thing that caught my eye in your review was "Tory being the only female in their group" hahaha! I'm hoping there's tons of romance and hotties in this book, it sounds great and I'll definitely be checking it out. (:
ReplyDeleteYou know, I really just didn't enjoy Virals. It didn't stand out to me as anything phenomenal. It's good, but I didn't think it was great. Good review, though!
ReplyDeleteAmanda